Penetrable tract for finned heating unit with barbs



E. s. NELSON May 16, 1%?

IENETRABLE TRACK FOR FINNED HEATING UNIT WITH BARBS Filed June 18, 1965FIG-n3 INVENTOR. Elliot 5. Nelson ATTORNEY nited States fiatent C)3,319,708 PENETRAELE TRACT FOR FINNED HEATING UNIT WITH BARBS Eiliot S.Nelson, Westhury, N.Y., assignor to Embassy Industries, lino,Farmingdale, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed June 18, 1965, Ser.No. 464,949 6 Claims. (Cl. 16567) This invention relates generally to afin tube unit which is readily adapted for baseboard radiation and/orthe like, and more specifically to an improved fin tube unit and tracktherefor of the type disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,963,276.

Heretofore, and prior to the invention covered in US. Patent No.2,963,276, severe difficulties have been encountered in theinstallations of fin tube units, e.g. baseboard radiations, toaccommodate the problem of expansion and contraction and of minimizingthe noise resulting therefrom. The difficulties noted are even moreaggravated in relatively long units involving rectilinearlyinterconnected segments of such units. Normally, such units or segmentscomprise an elongated tube having a plurality of fins secured thereto inlongitudinally spaced relationship. Support for such units is usuallyattained by resting the same on suitable supporting brackets.Heretofore, the area of support between the fins of the unit and thebrackets supporting the same was generally defined as an expandedsurface area. Consequently, the expanded contact surface area betweenthe fins of the unit and the supporting brackets therefor offered aconsiderable amount of resistance which had to be overcome during theexpansion and contraction of the unit in operation. Accordingly, thenoise resulting due to the relative movement between the fin tube unitand its supporting brackets was proportional to the contacting surfacetherebetween. Also, the relative movement resulting during contractionand expansion of the fins tube unit with respect to the brackets tendedto damage or bend the edge of the fins. Consequently, relativelyexpensive and complicated bracket constructions had been conceived in aneffort to minimize the problems of expansion and contraction of the fintu-be units and of noise resulting therefrom. Such relativelycomplicated supports not only increased the initial cost of suchinstallations, they also resulted in increasing the time and effortrequired to make the installation.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved fintube unit which is constructed and arranged so as to minimize the areaof contact between the fin tube unit and the bracket on which it issupported to decrease the resistance therebetween due to the expansionand contraction of the unit.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved trackconstruction adapted to protect the corner portions of the aligned finsfrom damage during expansion and contraction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fin tube unit withimproved track structure wherein the fin tube unit is supported on itsrespective support elements by a pair of spaced line contacts defined bythe track so as to minimize resistance between the fin tube unit and thesupports during expansion and contraction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fin tubeconstruction having an improved track arrangement extending along thealigned corner portions of the respective fins to form a continuousprotective covering for the respective corner portions of the finswherein the corner of the track extends beyond the corners of the finsto provide a line contact between the unit and the support elementstherefor.

3,319,708 Patented May 16, 1967 ice It is another object of thisinvention to provide an improved track construction for protecting thecorner portions of the fins from damage while at the same timeprotecting an installer from being injured thereby.

In accordance with this invention, the foregoing objects and otherfeatures and advantages are obtained by a fin tube unit comprised of anelongated tube having longitudinally spaced therealong a plurality ofsimilarly constructed fins. More particularly, the fins are formed atthe corners with points. Adjacent the respective corners thereof thesides of the fins are each provided with a notch. The arrangement issuch that a notch is disposed on each side of the fins adjacent thecorners to define opposed barbs.

In accordance with this invention, an improved elongated track memberformed of a flexible and preferably non-metallic material isfrictionally secured to the aligned corner portions of the respectivefins. The track mem ber comprises a member defined by a pair of legportions forming therebetween an angle which is less than the angledefined by the corners of the fins. The opposed free edge portions ofthe track member are each formed with an inwardly turned beaded portion.In assembly, the track member is snapped in place to cover the cornerportions of the fins by forcing the beaded portions of the track toengage the notches on the opposed sides of the corners. In doing so,edges of the barbs pierce the inner surface of the track to positivelysecure and maintain the track member thereto. Because the angle of theapex defined between the opposed leg portions of the track is less thanthe angle of the corner, the track flexes so that the corner of thetrack extends beyond the corner of the fins, and thereby defines a linecontact for support of the fin tube unit with respect to its supportingbracket. Accordingly, a minimum amount of resistance surface isinterposed between the fin tube unit in accordance with this inventionand the supporting brackets therefor.

A feature of this invention therefore resides in the provision of a fintube unit which is constructed and arranged so as to be supported on itssupporting elements by a pair of spaced lined contacts so as to offerthe minimum resistance between the expanding and contracting fin tubeunits and the relative fixed brackets on which the same is supported.

Another feature of this invention resides in an improved trackconstruction for protecting the corners of the fins and which co-actstherewith to positively secure the track to the fins.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of animproved track for a fin tube unit in which the angle defined betweenthe opposed leg portions of the track is less than the angle defined atthe corners of the fin so that in the assembled position, the apex ofthe track extends outwardly beyond the corner of the fins to define aline contact between the fin tube unit and its supporting brackets.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision forming thecorners of the fins with barbs which pierce the inner surface of thetrack member to positively secure the track thereto, and whereby thepiercing of the track positively maintains the corners of the fins inspaced relationship.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent whenconsidered in view of the specification and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an end view of the improved fin tube unit constructed inaccordance with the instant invention and illustrated in a supportedposition on a support element or bracket.

FIGURE 2 is a side view of a fragmentary portion of the fin tube unit inaccordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a corner portion of the finto illustrate the co-action between the track and the corner of the fin.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the improved track construction inaccordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 55 on FIG.4.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the improvedfin tube unit of the instant invention. As illustrated, the fin tubeunit 10 is readily adapted for use as a baseboard heating installation.The fin tube unit 10 comprises a fin tube radiator made up of anelongated tube 11 having a plurality of substantially rectangularlyshaped fins 12 secured thereto at longitudinally spaced intervalstherealong. The installation includes a plurality of supporting bracketsor elements 13 which are adapted to be spaced at intervals along asuitable supporting surface 14, e.g. a wall or the like. As shown, thebrackets or supports 13 comprise a suitable back or support 13A by whichit is connected to a wall 14 and laterally extending arm portion 13Bwhich forms a base or support for the fin tube unit 10. Accordingly, aplurality of such supports 13 may be longitudinally spaced along asuitable support wall 14 to provide the necessary supports for anelongated fin tube unit 10.

The respective fins 12 are substantially rectangular in shape and eachis provided with a central opening adapted to receive the tube 11 of theunit. As best seen in FIG. 2, a collar 15 circumscribes the centralopening of the fin. The end of the collar terminates in a flared flangeportion 15A which is adapted to abut against the next adjacent fin.Accordingly, the collar 15 defines the spacing between adjacent fins 12when a plurality of such fins are secured to the tube 11 as best seen inFIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the corners of the fin 12 is definedby a point 16 having a pair of adjacent sides disposed at substantiallyright angles with respect to one another. The sides of the fins adjacentthe respective corners thereof are provided with a notch 17.Accordingly, the notches adjacent each corner 16 define a reduced neckportion 18 by which the respective corners of the fin are integrallyconnected to the main body portion 19 of the fin, the edges of therespective notches also defining opposed barbs 20 on each corner orpoint 16 of the fin.

In accordance with this invention, a track 21 comprising an elongatedmember is extended along the respective corner portions 16 of the fins12 to form a protective cover therefor and to define the area of contactbetween the fin tube unit 10 and its supporting brackets 13. The trackmember 21 may be formed of any suitable flexible and preferablynon-metallic material, as for example a suitable plastic or the like. Asshown, the opposed leg portions 22, 23 of the track define therebetweenan acute angle 24 which is substantially less than the angle definedbetween the adjacent sides of the fin corners 16. As shown, the freeends of the opposed leg portions 22, 23 of the track member are eachprovided with inwardly turned beaded edge portions 25, 26. Accordingly,the arrangement is such that the beaded edge portions 25, 26 whenassembled to the fins 12 are adapted to be snapped into the alignednotches 17 adjacent the corners 16 of the fins. Because the angle 24-defined between the opposed leg portions 22, 23 of the track member 21is less than the angle defined by the point or corners 16 of the fins,the arrangement is such that the barbs 20 defined by edge portion of thenotches 17 will penetrate the inner surface of the track member 21, asseen in FIG. 3. Also, because the angle 24 of the track member 21 isless than that of the corner 16, the legs 22, 23 of the track memberwill tend to deform so that the apex 27 of the track 21 extends beyondthe apex 28 of the corner 16, and thereby defines a lined contact 29with supporting bracket 13 when the tracked fin tube unit is supportedthereon, as best seen in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the fin tube unitthroughout its entire length is supported on the respective brackets orsupport elements 13 by a pair of spaced lined contacts 29 as seen inFIG. 1. With the fin tube unit thus supported, a minimum of resistanceis offered between the fin tube unit 10 and the supports 13 thereofduring expansion and contraction thereof. Accordingly, the amount ofresistance and noise resulting therefrom is reduced to a minimum. Also,it is to be noted that because the edges of the notches or barbs 20defined thereby penetrate the inner surface of the track 21, the trackis positively secure to the fins at spaced intervals therealong thetrack member. Also, because the edges of the corners 16 of the fins areembedded in the track member, the corners 16 are prohibited from beingbent or distorted. Also, because the track 21 is formed of a plasticmaterial, it will tend to further silence or dampen any sound or noisewhich would otherwise result due to any relative movement between thefin tube unit 10 and the supporting brackets 13.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to aparticular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated andunderstood that variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A fin tube unit comprising:

an elongated tube,

a plurality of fins secured to said tube at longitudinally spacedintervals therealong,

said fins having their respective corner portions disposed in alignmentalong the length of said tube and the adjacent edges of said cornerportions defining therebetween a given included angle,

a barb formed on at least one of said edges adjacent the corner portionsof said fins,

a continuous track secured to the aligned corner portions of the fins,

said track comprising a strip of flexible and penetrable material havingangularly disposed leg portions defining an angle therebetween,

the leg portions of said track being sufliciently long as to extend oversaid barb on the edge of said fin adjacent the corner portion covered bysaid track,

and said barb penetrating into the leg portion of said track extendingthereover.

2. In combination, a heating and cooling unit comprising:

support elements, and

a fin tube unit supported on said elements,

said unit comprising an elongated tube,

a plurality of fins secured to said tube at longitudinally spacedintervals therealong,

and means for supporting said fin tube unit on said support elements ina manner to minimize friction and noise during the expansion andcontraction of said fin tube unit relative to said support elements,whereby said means define spaced line contact between said unit and saidsupport elements, and said latter means including points formed at thecorner portions adjacent the bottom edge of the respective fins wherebysaid points are aligned along the length of said tube, the side edges ofsaid fins adjacent said points having notches formed therein to defineopposed barbs on said points, and a continuous track covering thealigned points of said fins, said track comprising a strip of flexible,readily p e n e t r a b l e material that is substantially V-shaped incross-section terminating in an inwardly disposed beaded edge extendingalong the open end of said track, the angle of said track being normallyless than the angle of said point defined at the bottom corners of saidfins, said track being frictionally fitted over said points along thelength of said unit so that the beaded edger portions thereof are seatedin the notches adjacent the points of said fins, and the barbed edges ofsaid points penetrate the beaded edge of said track to secure the samein place whereby the corner of said track extends beyond said points todefine a line contact when said unit is supported on said supportelements.

3. A fin tube unit including an elongated tube and a plurality ofsimilarly constructed fins secured thereto at spaced intervalslongitudinally of said tube, the improvement in which:

(a) said fins are substantially rectangular in shape,

(b) the respective corners of said fins defining a substantially rightangle corner,

(c) the side edges of said fins adjacent said points having notchesformed therein to define opposed barbs on said points, and

(d) a flexible and penetrable track fixed over the aligned corners saidfins,

(e) said track having angularly disposed leg portions, said leg portionsdefining therebetween an apex angle of less than 90 degrees,

(if) said leg portions terminating in a beaded edge seated in thenotches adjacent said corners, whereby (g) the apex of said trackextends beyond the covered corner of said fin to define a line contactand said barbs piercing of the beaded edge of said track to positivelysecure the track to the fins.

4. In a fin tube unit including an elongated tube having a plurality ofsimilarly constructed fins secured to said tube at spaced intervalslongitudinally of said tube, the improvement in which:

(a) each of said fins are substantially rectangular in shape,

(b) means defining at the respective corners of each of said fins apoint having a substantially 90 degree angle defined by the adjacentsides of said fins,

(c) said fin having arcuate shaped notches formed in the sides of saidfins adjacent said points to define opposed barbs on said points,

(d) a flexible track formed of a penetrable material fitted overcorresponding points of adjacent fins,

(e) said track having angularly disposed leg portions, said leg portionsdefining therebetween an angle of substantially less than 90 degrees,

(f) said leg portions terminating in a bead edge adapted to be receivedin the notches adjacent said points whereby the barbs of said pointspiercing the inner surface of said track in the assembled position toprohibit deformation of the corners of said fins and to positivelymaintain the spacing thereof.

5. A finned tube unit comprising in combination:

(a) an elongated tube,

(b) a plurality of fins longitudinally spaced along said tube,

(c) each of said fins having a central opening for receiving said tube,

((1) an integrally formed collar circumscribing said opening wherebysaid collar defines the longitudinal spacing between adjacent fins onsaid tube,

(e) each of said fins having a point at the corners thereof,

(f) said fins having arcuate notches formed in the side edges thereofadjacent the tip ends of said point to define opposed barbs on the pointdefined therebetween,

(g) a flexible track formed of a penetrable material for covering thecorners of said fins,

(h) said track including an elongated member having angularly disposedleg portions defining an acute angle therebetween,

(i) said angle of said track being less than the angle defined at theapex of said points,

(j) each of said leg portions terminating in an inwardly turned beadededge that is co-extensive the length of said track,

(k) said beaded edge of the respective leg portions being accommodatedin the notches adjacent the points covered by said track whereby thebarbs of said points pierce the inside surface of said track to prohibitdeformation of said corners and to maintain the spacing of said fins,and the relative shape of the assembled track being such that the entireunit is supported on a pair of spaced line contacts to minimize frictionand noise during the expansion and contraction of said unit.

6. For use in a fin tube unit having a plurality of fins, said finhaving aligned corner portions defined by a given included angle andhaving barbs formed thereon, the improvement of a track for protectingthe corners of a fin tube unit comprising:

(a) an elongated flexible member formed of a penetrable material havingopposed leg portions defining an acute angle therebetween,

(b) and, the opposed leg portions of said member terminating in aninwardly beaded edge whereby the opposed leg portions are adapted tostraddle the adjacent sides of a fin at the corners thereof, wherein theangle included between the opposed leg portions of said track is lessthan the angle of the corner which said track is adapted to cover.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,963,276 12/1960Nelson 165-55 X 3,258,066 6/1966 Becher et al. 165-55 ROBERT A. OLEARY,Primary Examiner.

A. W. DAVIS, Assistant Examiner.

6. FOR USE IN A FIN TUBE UNIT HAVING A PLURALITY OF FINS, SAID FINHAVING ALIGNED CORNER PORTIONS DEFINED BY A GIVEN INCLUDED ANGLE ANDHAVING BARBS FORMED THEREON, THE IMPROVEMENT OF A TRACK FOR PROTECTINGTHE CORNERS OF A FIN TUBE UNIT COMPRISING: (A) AN ELONGATED FLEXIBLEMEMBER FORMED OF A PENETRABLE MATERIAL HAVING OPPOSED LEG PORTIONSDEFINING AN ACUTE ANGLE THEREBETWEEN, (B) AND, THE OPPOSED LEG PORTIONSOF SAID MEMBER TERMINATING IN AN INWARDLY BEADED EDGE WHEREBY THEOPPOSED LEG PORTIONS ARE ADAPTED TO STRADDLE THE ADJACENT SIDES OF A FINAT THE CORNERS THEREOF, WHEREIN THE ANGLE INCLUDED BETWEEN THE OPPOSEDLEG PORTIONS OF SAID TRACK IS LESS THAN THE ANGLE OF THE CORNER WHICHSAID TRACK IS ADAPTED TO COVER.